Metronet
Internet service provider
Kinetic
Internet service provider
Metronet vs Kinetic
Quick Answer
Metronet and Kinetic are both strong choices in 2026. Metronet leads on speed (up to Varies) while Metronet offers the lower entry price (from Contact for pricing). Best pick depends on availability at your address.
Compare speeds, pricing, coverage, and features to find the best provider for your needs.
Metronet and Kinetic are two of the most searched internet providers in the United States. Below, we compare their plans, pricing, speeds, coverage, and customer satisfaction to help you choose the best option for your home internet needs.
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Affiliate disclosure: We may earn a commission when you order through links on this page. Pricing, speeds, and availability vary by address and are subject to change; verify current terms with the provider before ordering.
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See which of these providers — and others — actually serve your exact address, with real speeds and pricing from FCC broadband data.
Metronet vs Kinetic: Key Findings
- Both providers offer the same max speed of Varies
- Both start at the same price of Contact for pricing
- Kinetic has wider coverage: 3,156 vs 2,226 ZIP codes
- Technology: Metronet uses Various, Kinetic uses Various
- Data caps: Metronet has a Varies cap; Kinetic has a Varies cap
- Overall winner: Kinetic (2 of 5 categories)
How Metronet and Kinetic Compare
Metronet and Kinetic are both major internet service providers, but they take different approaches to delivering broadband. Both providers use various technology, so the real differentiation comes down to pricing, plan options, and service quality in your area.
Both providers top out at Varies, so speed alone won't be the deciding factor. Focus instead on pricing, contract terms, and availability at your address. For most households of 2-4 people, a plan in the 200-500 Mbps range handles HD streaming, video calls, and general browsing with room to spare.
Both providers start at Contact for pricing, putting them on equal footing for budget-conscious shoppers. Neither provider requires a long-term contract, giving you the flexibility to switch if you find a better deal. Both providers impose data caps (Varies for Metronet, Varies for Kinetic), so heavy users should factor in potential overage charges.
Quick Verdict
Kinetic
- Wider coverage (3,156 ZIPs)
- No contract required
Metronet
- No contract required
Check availability at your address
See which of these providers — and others — actually serve your exact address, with real speeds and pricing from FCC broadband data.
Metronet is a 100% fiber-to-the-home internet provider expanding across the Midwest and Southeast, offering symmetric speeds up to 5 Gbps. Kinetic, formerly known as Kinetic by Windstream, is a business unit of Uniti that offers fiber and, at some addresses, copper-based internet in parts of 18 states; the products available depend on the address.
| Feature | Metronet | Kinetic |
|---|---|---|
| Max Speed | 5 Gbps | 2 Gbps |
| Starting Price | $50/moReference price — verify for your address | $40/moReference price — verify for your address |
| Technology | Fiber (FTTH) | Fiber, DSL |
| Contracts | No | No |
| Data Caps | No | No |
Metronet vs Kinetic: Provider Details
| Detail | Metronet | Kinetic |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Technology | Fiber (FTTH) | Fiber, DSL |
| Top Speed (Down/Up) | 5 Gbps | 2 Gbps |
| Starting Price | $50/mo | $40/mo |
| Coverage | Regional — 17 states | Regional — 18 states |
| Contract | No contract | No contract |
| Data Caps | None | None |
| Headquarters | Evansville, Indiana | Little Rock, Arkansas |
| Notable Features | 100% fiber network • Symmetric speeds • No contracts | No annual contracts or data limits on fiber plans (per Kinetic) |
Metronet Service & Install
Customer service: Mon-Fri 8AM-8PM local time, Sat 9AM-5PM; 24/7 technical support; online chat available
Installation: Professional installation required for new fiber connections (free, 2-4 hours). Self-install available at locations with existing Metronet fiber. Whole-home Wi-Fi system $10/mo optional.
Kinetic Service & Install
Customer service: Mon-Fri 8AM-8PM CT, Sat 8AM-5PM CT; 24/7 technical support; Kinetic app for account management
Installation: Self-install available for eligible addresses (modem shipped free). Fiber requires professional installation (free, 2-3 hours). DSL self-install kit with instructions. Check fiber availability online.
Plans Compared: Metronet vs Kinetic
Verified monthly pricing and typical download speeds for each provider's residential plans, sourced from their FCC broadband label filings. Promotional and address-specific pricing may vary.
Metronet plans
| Plan | Speed | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Metronet 150M/150M Internet Access | 164 Mbps | $29.95/mo |
| Metronet 100M/ 100M Internet Access | 108 Mbps | $29.95/mo |
| Bulk Standard 150M/150M Internet Access | 164 Mbps | $35/mo |
| Bulk Standard 500M/500M Internet Access | 505 Mbps | $40/mo |
| Bulk Standard 1G/1G Internet Access | 944 Mbps | $45/mo |
| Bulk Standard 200M/200M Internet Access | 205 Mbps | $45/mo |
Kinetic plans
| Plan | Speed | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Fiber 1 Gig | 1 Gbps | $44.99/mo |
| Fiber 300 Mbps | 300 Mbps | $44.99/mo |
| 69.99 Rp 300 Mbps | 300 Mbps | $44.99/mo |
| 99.99 Rp 1 Gig | 1 Gbps | $44.99/mo |
| Multi Label 1 Gig | 1 Gbps | $44.99/mo |
| Multi Label 1 Gig Symmetrical | 1 Gbps | $44.99/mo |
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Feature | Metronet | Kinetic | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max Speed | Varies | Varies | Tie |
| Starting Price | Contact for pricing | Contact for pricing | Tie |
| Coverage (ZIP Codes) | 2,226 | 3,156 | Kinetic Wins |
| Primary Technology | Various | Various | Depends on needs |
| Contract Required | No | No | Tie |
| Data Cap | Varies | Varies | Tie |
Affiliate disclosure: We may earn a commission when you order through links on this page. Pricing, speeds, and availability vary by address and are subject to change; verify current terms with the provider before ordering.
Pros & Cons
Which Provider Should You Choose?
Choose Metronet if:
- Metronet is available at your address
The Bottom Line
Both providers offer comparable maximum speeds. Both providers start at a similar price point. Ultimately, the best provider depends on availability at your address, your speed requirements, and whether you prefer no-contract or no-contract plans.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Do Metronet and Kinetic have data caps?
Do Metronet or Kinetic require a contract?
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Sources & Methodology
This Metronet vs Kinetic comparison uses coverage data from FCC Broadband Data Collection filings and plan, price and speed details from provider broadband labels where available, otherwise from the plan details we list for each provider. Pricing, speeds, and availability vary by location, so confirm them with the provider before ordering. For a detailed explanation of our data collection and scoring process, see our methodology page.
Data Sources
InternetProviders.ai is an independent resource. We may earn commissions from partner links. Commissions never change a provider's rating or the plan facts we list. See our methodology for details.
Source: FCC Broadband Data Collection, June 2025
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